The Goonies (1985)
It didn't earn half as much money as fellow 80s family films
like Who Framed Roger Rabbit? or E.T. The
Extra-Terrestrial, but for some reason, it seems anyone who
was a kid in 1985 can quote The Goonies by heart.
From its opening sequence, where a police chase introduces the
characters with aplomb, to the interplay between the child leads
and the scary wish-fulfilment of the booby-trapped hunt for
treasure, this is one childhood favourite that stands up to repeat
viewings.
The Goonies are a group of teens and pre-teens from a small
seaside community. There's Mouth, the clown; Data, the James Bond
wannabe; Mikey, the everykid; Brandon, Mikey's older brother; and
Chunk, whose name says it all.
The gang's existence is threatened by a group of greedy
developers planning to turn Mikey's house into a golf course, so
when the kids find a treasure map in Mikey's attic, they know it's
up to them to save their homes. Heading out in search of the
treasure, the group is joined by Brandon's would-be girlfriend
Andy and her smart-mouthed pal, Stef.
The Goonies' search leads them into dangerous underground caves
peppered with hidden tunnels, baffling puzzles and a string of
"booty traps". And as if that weren't enough danger, the
gang is also pursued by criminal matron Mama Fratelli and her
escaped convict sons Jake and Francis.
Luckily for the Goonies, Mama Fratelli has another son, Sloth,
a deformed outcast with a big heart and a strong frame (and a
taste for Baby Ruths). Even with Sloth's help, the Goonies have a
hard road ahead if they're going to escape with the treasure.
They'll be lucky enough to escape with their lives.
The movie had a pedigree ranging from The Little Rascals
to Raiders of the Lost Ark, a thrilling adventure with a
healthy dose of pre-teen comedy. It also had the talents of three
future A-list Hollywood directors: Richard (Lethal Weapon)
Donner directed, Chris (Home Alone) Columbus wrote the
script and Steven (insert mega-hit of your choice here) Spielberg
provided the original story.
It may not have been E.T., but The Goonies was
still a sizeable success. And if you have any doubt about the
movie's staying power, go ask that 80s child when he or she last
watched it. Every generation has its guilty pleasures.
Twentysomethings have The Goonies.
We have just one issue. Never EVER call a character in a kid's
movie 'One-Eyed Willie'. It just isn't right . . .
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